Asim Munir ‘Planned Pahalgam Attack to Spark India-Pakistan Clash,’ Claims Imran Khan’s Close Aide

Islamabad: Fresh allegations from within Pakistan have intensified the political and military turmoil surrounding the country’s powerful army chief, General Asim Munir. Salman Ahmad—Pakistani-American political activist and close associate of former Prime Minister Imran Khan—has accused Munir of masterminding the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year to trigger a military confrontation with India.

In an interview with CNN-News18, Salman Ahmad claimed that the deadly April attack in Jammu & Kashmir was part of a “calculated operation” allegedly ordered by Munir to provoke New Delhi. According to him, the motive was to use rising tensions to strengthen Munir’s personal image and consolidate his authority within the Pakistani military establishment.

42 US Lawmakers Seek Probe Into Munir

Ahmad also highlighted a recent letter signed by 42 American lawmakers, urging the US administration to investigate alleged human rights violations linked to Asim Munir.

“We have repeatedly warned the US that since the ouster of Imran Khan in April 2022, Pakistan’s army has crushed democracy,” Ahmad said. “Munir is becoming a major threat not only to Pakistan’s political system but to regional stability.”

‘Munir Is a Danger to Democracy’

Continuing his sharp criticism, Ahmad described Munir as “mentally unfit” to head a nuclear-armed military force.

“Pakistan is a nuclear nation. A military dictatorship under someone like Asim Munir is dangerous. He should not be anywhere near the armed forces. He is a threat to Pakistan’s democracy and the entire region,” he said.

Ahmad further alleged that even his own relatives in Pakistan have been kidnapped and tortured, a practice he claims has intensified under Munir’s command.

“Munir thinks he is going to become the king of Pakistan,” he said. “He has barred anyone from meeting Imran Khan for the last seven weeks, exposing his authoritarian mindset.”

‘Pahalgam Attack Was a Deliberate Plot’

According to Ahmad, widespread allegations of electoral fraud—leading to Imran Khan’s defeat—have deeply angered the Pakistani public. To secure his position amid domestic backlash, Munir allegedly sought to project strength through an external conflict.

“Munir engineered the Pahalgam attack hoping India would retaliate,” Ahmad claimed. “A military clash would allow him to elevate himself, possibly even to the rank of Field Marshal.”

He compared the situation to events following “Operation Sindoor,” when India and Pakistan reportedly engaged in a four-day confrontation—an example Ahmad believes reflects Munir’s willingness to push the region to the brink for personal gain.